Controlled Motion Exercise Device

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus includes a frame, one or more pull cables running through cable guides to provide resistance exercise, and a mechanism for providing variable resistance to the cables. The frame may include a pair of uprights and a pair of cross members that combine to form a rectangular construct that allows the cable guides to be mounted at a multiplicity of selected points above and to both sides of a user standing between the uprights. The guides may be mounted at any of the selected points on the uprights and the cross members to allow the user to select an advantageous “pull point” for a desired exercise without moving the frame members and without moving other guides. A computer/processor may be used to control the resistance force applied to the cables and/or to record exercise results.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/898,718, filed May 21, 2013 which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/649,616, filed May 21, 2012,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to exercise equipment, and moreparticularly to exercise equipment with controlled velocity orcontrolled range of motion.

BACKGROUND

Many exercises for therapy, sports, recreation or body-building involvethe use of free weights. Free weights are held in the hand and movedalong predetermined trajectories to exercise specific muscle groups. Themotion is repeated for a specific number of times. However, it isdifficult to precisely follow a predetermined trajectory for eachrepetition. It is also difficult to maintain a smooth and controlledmotion. Abrupt loss of control may injure muscles. In certain strenuousexercises involving relatively heavy free weights, the repeated motionand weight can impact muscle groups other than those intended to beexercised, leading to injury and bruises. A heavy free weight held inthe hand intended to exercise chest muscles may exert an unintentionalheavy load on the knees. Free weights are also associated with dangersto other individuals exercising in the vicinity in case of loss ofcontrol. If a free weight falls from an individual's hand it may hurtother individuals.

Some exercise machines have been developed to overcome disadvantagesassociated with free weights and permit safe exercising. These exercisemachines involve the use of adjustable weights loads enclosed in aframe, which are connected through pulleys, gears and cables to framesand handles. The user exerts force on the handles and frames, and thecables transmit the load of the weight to the user. This may reduce someof the dangers associated with free weights.

However, these exercise machines are expensive. Many of them aredirected to exercising specific muscle groups. Further, these machinesoften have a limited adjustability and the configuration of use islargely fixed. It is difficult to use the same machine in differentconfigurations. A machine devised for a healthy individual exercising ina gym may not be suitable for a hospitalized individual who is unable tomove from his or her bed. A machine devised for exercising the thighsmay not be useful for exercising the forearms.

The motion of free weights or the weights in exercise machines moveaccording to the laws of gravity. When these weights are moved along atrajectory, they always exert a force component in a downwardsdirection. When a free weight is lifted, the part of the trajectory inwhich the weight is moved against the ground is controlled by theindividual. However, in the final part of the trajectory, the weightmoves towards the ground. In this part of the trajectory, the forceexerted at every point of the trajectory against the user's muscles isuniform and dictated by the weight. In case of the exercise machines theforce exerted is always uniform and depends on the selected weight orload.

This makes maintaining a uniform velocity throughout the trajectory verydifficult for individuals. An individual may be able to move the weightwith a controlled velocity for a part of the trajectory but may losecontrol, leading to a rapid velocity change. Such unintended velocitychanges along the trajectory of motion of free weights or weights inexercising machines can cause short-term or long-term injuries to theuser.

Certain exercises need the velocity of motion along the trajectory andexerted force to vary in a predetermined manner along the trajectorypath of motion of the exercise equipment.

A need exists for a low-cost and flexible exercise machine that allowscontrolled motion exercise of various different muscle groups. A needalso exists for an exercise machine that ensures the safety of theexercising individual and the safety of other individuals in thevicinity of the exercising individual. A need also exists for a machinethat can be used by users who may not have full control over theirbodies. A need also exists for an exercise machine that can be used byusers in various positions such as standing, sitting or lyinghorizontally. A need also exists for a machine that exerts force varyingalong the trajectory of motion of exercise in a predetermined manner. Aneed also exists for a machine that allows exercising parts to movealong a specified trajectory with a velocity that varies along thetrajectory of motion in a predetermined manner. Various aspects andembodiments of the present invention are intended to address one or moreof these needs.

SUMMARY

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided an exerciseapparatus comprising:

-   -   a) a frame, comprising:        -   i) a pair of upright support members, and        -   ii) at least one cross member spanning between said pair of            upright support members;    -   b) one or more guides selectively positionable at a multiplicity        of mounting positions on one or more of said upright support        members and/or on one or more of said cross members, said guides        being effective for establishing a pull point for a cable        passing therethrough;    -   c) one or more cables having a pull end and a winding end, and a        length passing through one or more of said guides;    -   d) a winding/coiling mechanism comprising:        -   i) a winding/coiling shaft,        -   ii) a spool mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and            effective for controllably winding one or more of said            cables around said shaft upon rotation of the shaft,        -   iii) a winding/coiling shaft gear mounted on said            winding/coiling shaft and effective for rotating said            winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of said winding/coiling            shaft gear; and    -   e) a resistance power mechanism comprising:        -   i) a resistance power shaft,        -   ii) a motor for rotating said resistance power shaft at a            variable speed and/or with a variable force in a direction            effective for winding one or more of said cables around said            winding/coiling shaft,        -   iii) a resistance power shaft gear mounted on said power            shaft and engageable with said winding shaft gear and            effective for turning said winding shaft gear upon rotation            of said power shaft gear.

The illustrated apparatus utilizes upright members that are spacedbetween 48″ and 96″ apart.

The illustrated apparatus utilizes at least one cross member that ismounted to said upright members at a height of between 60″ and 120″.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize a motor that is effective forproviding a variable resistance force that includes all or at least someof the range between 5 lbf and 500 lbf of resistance force.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize guides that comprise an eye and ashank mountable to one or more of said multiplicity of mountingpositions.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize a multiplicity of mountingpositions which individually comprise slots for receiving the shank ofsaid guides.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of theinvention, reference will now be made to certain embodiments andspecific language will be used to describe the same. It willnevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, and alterations and modifications in theillustrated device, and further applications of the principles of theinvention as illustrated therein are herein contemplated as wouldnormally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

FIG. 1 shows a CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE 100 according to anembodiment. The CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE 100 contains a BASE104. The BASE 104 supports the machine. In various embodiments, the BASE104 is made of a metal, wood or other materials that safely support theweight of the machine and the user. In various embodiments, the BASE 104has a protective layer of plastic or rubber or other materials. Theprotective layer may help users of the machine get a grip on the surfacewhile standing or sitting on the BASE 104.

The CONTROLLED MOTION MACHINE 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 contains a RIGIDFRAME 112. In various embodiments, the RIGID FRAME 112 is made of metal,plastic, carbon-fiber composite or any material strong enough towithstand the overall load exerted on the RIGID FRAME 112. The RIGIDFRAME 112 contains ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116. An ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 issecured to the ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116. In an embodiment, the ADJUSTABLEBEAM 120 is in a horizontal configuration. In another embodiment, theADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in a vertical configuration. In yet anotherembodiment, the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in a diagonal configuration. Inother embodiments, the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 is in any suitableconfiguration.

In various embodiments, removable fasteners firmly secure the ADJUSTABLEBEAM 120 in the predetermined configuration for the duration of theexercise to the RIGID FRAME 112. The ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 remains in afixed configuration once secured to the ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116. Theconfiguration and position of the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 can be readjustedfor different exercises by disengaging the removable fasteners securingthe ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 to the ADJUSTMENT SLOTS 116, rearranging theposition or the configuration of the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120, and thenreengaging the fasteners to secure the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 to the RIGIDFRAME 112 in a fixed configuration.

HOOP SLOTS 124 may be provided at various locations on the RIGID FRAME112 and the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120. In an embodiment, HOOP SLOTS 124completely pass through the material of the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 and/orthe RIGID FRAME 112. In another embodiment, HOOP SLOTS 124 partiallypass through the material of the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120 and/or the RIGIDFRAME 112. In an embodiment, a predetermined number of HOOPS 128 aresecured to predetermined HOOP SLOTS 124 on the ADJUSTABLE BEAM 120and/or on the RIGID FRAME 112. In another embodiment, HOOPS 128 aresecured to the HOOP SLOTS 124 by easily removable fastening mechanisms.In an embodiment, HOOP SLOTS 124 have recessed threads and HOOPS 128have protruding threads such that HOOPS 124 can be screwed on to HOOPSLOTS 124. In another embodiment, HOOPS 124 have eyelets at their endsand they are secured with latches after passing through the HOOP SLOTS124. In another embodiment, HOOPS 128 are secured to HOOP SLOTS 124 bynut-and-bolts or any other fasteners.

A COILING MECHANISM 132 may be secured to the BASE 104. The COILINGMECHANISM 132 allows a CABLE 136 to be wound on it. In an embodiment,the COILING MECHANISM 132 contains a spring or similar elastic elementthat retracts the CABLE 136 when not in use.

CABLE 136 has two ends, a WINDING END 140 and an OPERATING END 144. TheWINDING END 140 of the CABLE 136 is wound on the COILING MECHANISM 132.

To prepare the CONTROLLED MOTION EXERCISE MACHINE 100 for a particularexercise, the user or trainer passes the CABLE 136 through a GUIDEPULLEY 146 and one or more HOOPS 128 such that the OPERATING END 144 ofthe CABLE 136 is free to be engaged by the user when the exercisebegins.

In the embodiment if FIG. 1, a ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is secured to the BASE104. In another embodiment, the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is contained in amotor housing secured to the base 104. In an embodiment, the ROBOTICMOTOR 148 is coupled to the COILING MECHANISM 132 through a GEAR SYSTEM156. The ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 turns the COILING MECHANISM 132 such that theCABLE 136 is wound or unwound according to the exercise on the COILINGMECHANISM 132. In an embodiment, the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is controlled byelectronic impulses sent by a COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158. The COMPUTERCONTROLLER 158 may be a laptop, a desktop computer or a portablecomputer or any other computing device. In another embodiment, theCOMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 is connected to the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through aPOWER AMPLIFIER 160 in a feedback loop. The POWER AMPLIFIER 160amplifies the electronic impulses sent by the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158.In an embodiment, the feedback loop allows the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158to sense the operation of the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 in response toelectronic impulses and force exerted on the CABLE 136 by the user. Inanother embodiment, the feedback loop also allows the COMPUTERCONTROLLER 158 to receive information about the load or force exerted onthe ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through the GEAR SYSTEM 156 by the CABLE 136.

The user exerts a force or load on the CABLE 136 against the forceexerted by the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 to exercise target muscles. A userselects an exercise through the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158. The COMPUTERCONTROLLER 158 selects a program of electronic impulses and sends theseelectronic impulses determined by the exercise selected by the user tothe ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 through the POWER AMPLIFIER 160. The ROBOTIC MOTOR148 begins to wind or unwind the COILING MECHANISM 132 as directed bythe electronic impulses. The COILING MECHANISM 132 either retracts theCABLE 136 at a predetermined velocity or allows the CABLE 136 to beextended at a predetermined velocity depending on the exercise chosen bythe user using the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158.

The user exerts load or force on the OPERATING END 144 of the CABLE 136against the force applied by the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148. The ROBOTIC MOTOR148 senses the force exerted by the user on the CABLE 136 and operatessuch that the CABLE 136 moves at a predetermined velocity regardless ofthe force exerted by the user, resulting in a controlled motionexercise.

In one embodiment, the COMPUTER CONTROLLER 158 continuously monitors theforce exerted on the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 by the user. The COMPUTERCONTROLLER 158 directs the motion of the CABLE 136 by sending electronicimpulses to the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 in response to the force exerted bythe user so that the CABLE 136 moves in accordance with the exercisechosen by the user.

The HOOPS 128 guide the motion of the CABLE 136 along a path appropriatefor the exercise chosen by the user so that the motion of the cableresults in the application of force in a predetermined direction suchthat specific muscle groups are exercised without harming the othermuscles of the user.

In one embodiment, an ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is be connected to theOPERATING END 144 of the CABLE 136. In various embodiments, theERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is in the form of a rod, a handle, a ball, or anyother form that is useful for particular exercises. In an embodiment,the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is shaped like a ball for exercising baseballpitching movements. In another embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 isshaped like a staff for facilitating rowing exercises.

In one embodiment the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148 is connected to two CABLES 136,and with the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 in the form of a rigid staff secured toboth CABLES 136, such that pulling on the staff engages both CABLES 136simultaneously. In yet another embodiment, the OPERATING ENDS 144 of twoCABLES 136 can be connected by an ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 in the form of along rod or a staff, for martial arts or other exercises. In variousembodiments, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is made of materials such as metal,rubber, plastic, wood or any other material suitable for a particularform of exercise. In an embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 has a shapesuitable for physical therapy. In another embodiment, the ergonomicgrasp 164 is shaped such that a trainer can assist the exercising userin exerting force.

In one embodiment, the ERGONOMIC GRASP 164 is connected to the OPERATINGEND 144 of the CABLE 136 by a FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR 170. In variousembodiments, the FLEXIBLE CONNECTOR 170 contains springs, rubber cables,elastic bands, rubber bands, or other flexible elements. The FLEXIBLECONNECTOR 170 allows the user to get non-linear play in the motionsuperimposed on the predetermined velocity of the CABLE 136 controlledby the ROBOTIC MOTOR 148. This allows the user to exert slightly higheror lower forces on the cable without facing sudden velocity changes thatcan result in injury.

The Examples given above are merely illustrative and are not meant to bean exhaustive list of all possible embodiments, applications ormodifications of the invention. Thus, various modifications andvariations of the described methods and systems of the invention will beapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of the invention. Although the invention has been describedin connection with specific embodiments, it should be understood thatthe invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specificembodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes forcarrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in thechemical arts or in the relevant fields are intended to be within thescope of the appended claims.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention there isprovided a controlled motion exercise device that includes a frame, oneor more cables for the user to pull to provide resistance exercise, anda mechanism for providing variable resistance to the cables.

The frame may comprise a pair of uprights and one or more cross members,optionally mounted to a base. The uprights are preferably spaced between36″ and 96″ apart to allow a user to mount cable guides on both sides ofthe user's body when the user is positioned near the center of theframe. More preferably the uprights are spaced between 36″ and 72″apart.

At least one of the cross members is preferably positioned at a heightof between 60″ and 120″ to allow a user to mount cable guides well abovethe user's head when the user is positioned near the center of theframe. In one preferred embodiment there are two cross members mountedat varying heights to the pair of uprights. In such embodiments, thesecond cross member is preferably positioned at a height of between 12″and 60″, and more preferably at a height of between 24″ and 48.″ Thecross members are preferably horizontal with respect to the base.

A plurality of positions for mounting a cable guide to the frame areprovided on each of the pair of uprights, and on one or more of thecross members. Such positions for mounting a cable guide preferablycomprise slots that are sized to receive the shank of a cable guide asdescribed below. The slots provide discrete locations for mounting acable guide shank, with such locations preferably being between 6″ and12″ apart (preferably about 8″ apart) along at least a portion of eachupright and along at least one cross member.

A plurality of cable guides are preferably mounted to the uprightsand/or the cross members. The cable guides are adapted to allow a pullcable to pass therethrough, thus providing one or more “pull points”from which the resistance on the pull end of a cable may be applied. Theguides may be mounted to any of a plurality of points on the uprightsand/or the cross members to allow the user to select an advantageouspull point for a desired exercise. When multiple guides are provided onthe frame, and particularly when those guides are mounted to differentuprights and/or different cross members, the user may independently pulltwo or more arms and/or legs simultaneously, with the two or more armsand/or legs meeting resistance from different pull points which may beon different sides of the user's body.

The cable guides may comprise an eye or a hoop that is provided on theend of a shank. In one embodiment the cable guides comprise a pulley onthe end of a shank. The pulley allows the cable to pass through theguide with less resistance than is provided by a hoop or an eye.

The cable guides are mountable to one or more of a multiplicity ofmounting positions on the frame by providing the frame with a pluralityof slots adapted to receive the guide shanks. This allows the user toquickly and easily change the pull point of a particular cable, and alsoallows such change to be done without also changing the position of theuprights and/or the cross members, and without changing the locations ofthe pull point of other cables that may be being used at the same time.The user simply pulls the cable guide shank from one slot and pushes itinto a different slot without requiring the cable or the frame to beadjusted.

Each cable comprises a pull end and a winding/coiling end, and a lengththat may pass through a guide. The guides accordingly provide “pullpoints” from which the resistance on the pull end of a cable is applied.

The winding end of each cable is wound around a coiling mechanism thatmay comprise one or two or more winding/coiling spools or reels on ashaft. A coiling gear is also provided on the shaft. The ends of theshaft are stabilized so that the shaft may rotate to allow the cable towind or unwind around the spool/reel.

The winding/coiling mechanism is connected through a pair of gears to aresistance power mechanism. The resistance power mechanism comprises aresistance power shaft and a motor. The motor may be a robotic or servomotor that provides variable and selectable resistance power to resist apulling force applied by a user to the pull end of a cable. The gearsallow a small resistance force to be generated by the motor and agreater resistance force to be applied to the user.

A computer/processor may be used to control the resistance force appliedto the cables and/or to record exercise results.

Referring now to FIG. 2 of the drawings, the illustrated device is anexercise apparatus comprising:

-   -   a) a frame (200), comprising:        -   i) a pair of upright support members (201), and        -   ii) at least one cross member (202) spanning between said            pair of upright support members;    -   b) one or more guides (203) selectively positionable at a        multiplicity of mounting positions, such as slots (224), on one        or more of said upright support members and/or on one or more of        said cross members, said guides being effective for establishing        a pull point for a cable passing therethrough;    -   c) one or more cables (204) having a pull end and a winding end,        and a length passing through one or more of said guides;    -   d) a winding/coiling mechanism (205) comprising:        -   i) a winding/coiling shaft (205 a),        -   ii) a spool (205 b) mounted on said winding/coiling shaft            and effective for controllably winding one or more of said            cables around said shaft upon rotation of the shaft,        -   iii) a winding/coiling shaft gear (205 c) mounted on said            winding/coiling shaft and effective for rotating said            winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of said winding/coiling            shaft gear; and    -   e) a resistance power mechanism (206) comprising:        -   i) a resistance power shaft (206 a),        -   ii) a motor (206 b) for rotating said resistance power shaft            at a variable speed and/or with a variable force in a            direction effective for winding one or more of said cables            around said winding/coiling shaft,        -   iii) a resistance power shaft gear (206 c) mounted on said            power shaft and engageable with said winding shaft gear and            effective for turning said winding shaft gear upon rotation            of said power shaft gear.

A computer/processor 240 effective for controlling the resistance forceapplied to the cables and effective for recording exercise results isalso included.

The illustrated apparatus utilizes upright members that are spacedbetween 36″ and 96″ apart.

The illustrated apparatus utilizes at least one cross member that ismounted to said upright members at a height of between 60″ and 120″.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize a motor that is effective forproviding a user-selected variable resistance force that includes all orat least some of the range between 5 lbf and 1000 lbf of resistanceforce. In addition to being adjustable as to force, the motor may alsobe adjustable as to speed, which preferably may wind the cables at auser-selected speed of up to about 3 ft/sec, and more preferably up toabout 1 ft/sec.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize guides that comprise an eye and ashank mountable to one or more of said multiplicity of mountingpositions.

The illustrated apparatus may utilize a multiplicity of mountingpositions which individually comprise slots for receiving the shank ofsaid guides.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that allchanges and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventionare desired to be protected. In addition, it is to be appreciated thatthe present invention may comprise or consist essentially of any or allof the illustrated or described elements and/or features. For example,the present invention includes devices comprising each of the elementsand/or features illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the present inventionincludes devices consisting essentially of any of the elements and/orfeatures illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Additionally, all of the featuresand/or embodiments disclosed in Applicant's U.S. Patent Application No.61/649,616, which is incorporated herein by reference, may be combinedwith any or all of the features disclosed herein to provide a devicethat comprises or consists essentially of such features.

1. An exercise apparatus comprising: a) a frame, comprising: i) a pairof upright support members, and ii) at least one cross member spanningbetween said pair of upright support members; b) one or more guidesselectively positioned at a multiplicity of mounting positions on one ormore of said upright support members and on one or more of said crossmembers, said guides being effective for establishing a multiplicity ofselected pull point for a cable passing therethrough; c) one or morecables having a pull end and a winding end, and a length passing throughone or more of said guides; d) a winding/coiling mechanism comprising:i) a winding/coiling shaft, ii) a spool mounted on said winding/coilingshaft and effective for controllably winding one or more of said cablesaround said shaft upon rotation of the shaft, iii) a winding/coilingshaft gear mounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective forrotating said winding/coiling shaft upon rotation of saidwinding/coiling shaft gear; e) a resistance power mechanism comprising:i) a resistance power shaft, ii) a motor for rotating said resistancepower shaft at a variable speed and with a variable force in a directioneffective for winding one or more of said cables around saidwinding/coiling shaft, iii) a resistance power shaft gear mounted onsaid power shaft and engageable with said winding shaft gear andeffective for turning said winding shaft gear upon rotation of saidpower shaft gear.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said uprightmembers are spaced between 36″ and 96″ apart.
 3. The apparatus of claim1 wherein at least one cross member is mounted to said upright membersat a height of between 60″ and 120″.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 whereinsaid “at least one cross member” comprises two cross members.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein said a motor is effective for providing avariable resistance force that includes all or at least some of therange between 5 lbf and 1000 lbf of resistance force.
 6. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said a motor is effective for winding said cable at avariable speed of between 0 ft/second and 3 ft/second.
 7. The apparatusof claim 1 wherein said guides comprise a pulley mounted on a shank thatis mountable to said uprights and to said cross members at one or moreof said multiplicity of mounting positions.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7wherein said multiplicity of mounting positions comprise slots forreceiving the shank of said guides.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1 andfurther including a computer/processor effective for controlling theresistance force applied to the cables.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 andfurther including a computer/processor effective for recording exerciseresults.
 11. An exercise apparatus comprising: a) a frame, comprising:i) a pair of upright support members spaced apart at a distance ofbetween 36″ and 96″, and ii) a pair of cross members spanning betweensaid pair of upright support members, with one of said cross membersbeing mounted at a height of between 24″ and 60″, and the other of saidcross members being mounted at a height of between 60″ and 120″; whereinsaid uprights and said cross members combine to form a rectangularconstruct that allows cable guides to be positioned around the rectangleat a selected multiplicity of points above and to both sides of a userstanding between the uprights; b) one or more guides selectivelypositioned at a multiplicity of mounting positions on one or more ofsaid upright support members and on said cross members, said guidesbeing effective for establishing a multiplicity of selected pull pointfor a cable passing therethrough; said cable guides being movable fromone pull point to another pull point without moving either of saiduprights or either of said cross members; c) one or more cables having apull end and a winding end, and a length passing through one or more ofsaid guides; d) a winding/coiling mechanism comprising: i) awinding/coiling shaft, ii) a spool mounted on said winding/coiling shaftand effective for controllably winding one or more of said cables aroundsaid shaft upon rotation of the shaft, iii) a winding/coiling shaft gearmounted on said winding/coiling shaft and effective for rotating saidwinding/coiling shaft upon rotation of said winding/coiling shaft gear;e) a resistance power mechanism comprising: i) a resistance power shaft,ii) a motor for rotating said resistance power shaft at a variable speedand with a variable force in a direction effective for winding one ormore of said cables around said winding/coiling shaft, iii) a resistancepower shaft gear mounted on said power shaft and engageable with saidwinding shaft gear and effective for turning said winding shaft gearupon rotation of said power shaft gear.